Copying Beethoven

Ludwig von Beethoven has always been one of history’s more interesting and complicated characters. A musical genius, he was known to be an unapproachable sort of man, possessed by a rude disposition and an uncontrollable temper. After becoming deaf, he grew very bitter and lost favor with the public, only to make a triumphant comeback with his 9th Symphony, arguably considered the greatest piece of music ever written. It’s a fantastic story that absolutely screams to be made into a brilliant film (one along the lines of the Mozart biopic Amadeus), but has still yet to be achieved. Copying Beethoven is not a masterpiece, but it is certainly a well-made picture that acts as window into the brief time both before and after the composer performed his final opus. Told through the eyes of his copyist Anna Holtz (Diane Kruger of Troy), this is the story of how Beethoven prepared in vein for his final performance, despite being discouraged by all those around him. Anna, a amateur composer herself, learns from Beethoven that music is more than just the mathematical structure of notes. It is a living organism with a soul of its own. Harris is excellent in the title role and acts with equal measures of whimsy and intensity. It’s different from Gary Oldman’s haunting portrayal a decade ago in Immortal Beloved, but no less remarkable. The centerpiece of the film is the opening performance of the 9th Symphony and this sequence alone is worth the admission price. Unfortunately, after this peak moment, things slope somewhat downhill and general audiences might lose interest. However, fans of Beethoven’s music will find much to enjoy.

Directed by Agnieszka Holland.
Written by Stephen J. Rivele and Christopher Wilkinson.
Starring Ed Harris, Diane Kruger, Matthew Goode, Ralph Riach and Nicholas Jones.

Rated PG-13 for some sexual elements. 104 min.

***½ so says The Fish